Veterans Get Better Chance For Being Hired With New Law

DENVER (CBS4)– Veterans returning from military service have a higher unemployment rate than average but that’s all about to change thanks to a new law.

The Veterans Full Employment Act was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both the state House and Senate.

It was sponsored by Sen. Matt Jones and Rep. Rhonda Fields in an effort to remove barriers veterans may face when looking for work.

Under the Veterans Full Employment Act, active-duty troops will not lose their state credentials if the credentials expire while they were serving. The act requires the state to reinstate all expired licenses, certificates, and registrations for active-duty troops.

“Veterans are willing to risk their lives for our freedoms, and they must give full concentration to the tasks at hand while serving. This bill simply gives veterans the opportunity to compete for work when their tour of duty is done, with credentials that they have already earned. It’s the least we could do for fellow Americans who have done so much for us,” said Sen. Matt Jones, a Democrat representing Louisville.